STON A1 & B1 Automatic Panel Benders | Vacuum Clamping Technology

1. Vacuum Clamping Technology eliminates misalignment during high-speed bending. It is especially superior in handling ultra-thin workpieces (from 0.15mm), perfectly protecting mirror stainless steel or painted aluminum surfaces.

2. Breakthrough Operational Performance: The device achieves a record speed of 0.2 seconds/bend.

3. Intelligent Control System & High-end Sensors: The automatic thickness compensation feature allows the machine to automatically adjust the tool travel based on the actual thickness of each workpiece, eliminating material errors.

4. Industrial Heavy-Duty Mechanical Construction: The machine body made of QT500-7 cast iron is heat-treated and aged to prevent permanent deformation.

5. Stability in Harsh Environments: Ensures the machine maintains stable 24/7 operation in tropical factory environments.

STON Automatic Bending Machine Series A1 & B1: Breakthrough in Vacuum Workpiece Clamping Technology

I. MANUFACTURER

Qingdao Shengtong Mechanical Technology Co., Ltd. (STON), founded in 2006, is a national high-tech enterprise in China and a pioneer in the research and manufacture of CNC sheet metal processing equipment. With a factory complex spanning 20,000m², STON operates under an in-house production model, ensuring all equipment reaches optimal stability and mechanical precision.

Qingdao Shengtong Mechanical Technology Co., Ltd. (STON)

Qingdao Shengtong Mechanical Technology Co., Ltd. (STON)

The STON A1 and B1 series of automatic bending machines represent a new step forward in sheet metal bending technology. Instead of using traditional mechanical clamps, this system integrates advanced vacuum suction cup technology, enabling high-speed workpiece handling while providing absolute protection for the material surface.

With a bending speed of up to 0.2 seconds/bend, a single STON A1/B1 machine can achieve productivity equivalent to 6 hydraulic bending machines operating simultaneously, helping businesses optimize labor costs and significantly shorten production cycles.

II. Outstanding Features of the STON Vacuum Bending Series

1. Vacuum Adsorption Clamping Technology

The high-efficiency vacuum suction system is the “soul” of the A1 and B1 series, offering several advantages:

  • Absolute Precision: Completely eliminates workpiece slipping or misalignment when bending at extremely high speeds.

  • Ultra-thin Workpiece Handling: Securely holds workpieces as thin as 0.15mm without causing deformation.

  • Non-marking Bending: An ideal solution for mirror-finish stainless steel, aluminum, painted surfaces, oily surfaces, and other sensitive materials.

workpiece clamping by vacuum suction cups

2. Superior Operational Performance

  • Maximum Productivity: Capable of performing over 5,000 bends/day, increasing efficiency by up to 260% compared to older methods.

  • Complex Profiles: Flexibly handles arcs, dead edges, closed bends, and special shapes without the need for manual tool changes.

3. Intelligent Control System & High-end Sensors

  • Closed-loop Servo System: Utilizes an all-electric closed-loop servo system, allowing for real-time movement synchronization with micrometer precision.

  • Bias Load Detection: Combined with a Grating Ruler to detect workpiece misalignment, protecting the tooling system and minimizing waste.

  • Automatic Thickness Compensation: The machine automatically measures and adjusts the tool travel based on the actual thickness of the metal sheet during each clamping.

4. Industrial Mechanical Construction

  • Ultra-rigid Machine Body: The frame is cast from QT500-7 cast iron and undergoes natural aging and high-temperature heat treatment to eliminate stress, ensuring no deformation over years of use.

  • Copper Lubrication System: Uses high-pressure copper oil pipelines, which are durable and highly resistant to leakage compared to common PVC plastic tubes.

  • 42CrMo Alloy Steel Bending Tools: Pressure-forged and laser-hardened to ensure superior hardness and wear resistance.

5. Optimized Design for Harsh Environments

  • Dedicated Electrical Cabinet Air Conditioning: An integrated cooling system maintains a stable temperature for electronic components and servo drivers, ensuring 24/7 operation even in hot workshop environments.

III. BENDING PROFILES WITHIN MACHINE CAPABILITY

bending profiles

IV. Ideal Applications for STON A1 & B1

This product is the top choice for industries requiring high aesthetics and precision:

  • Electrical Equipment: Medium and low voltage electrical cabinets, transformer stations, and Server racks.

  • Premium Appliances: Stainless steel kitchen equipment, washing machine housings, and specialized refrigerators.

  • Architecture & Elevators: Elevator panels and large-scale decorative sheets.

  • New Technologies: Electric vehicle (EV) battery housings and solar energy components.

  • Fire Doors: Various types of fire doors with complex profiles.

production applications of automatic bending machines

Technical SpecificationsUnitModel STON-A1Model STON-B1
Maximum bending lengthmm1000*10001400*1250
Maximum bending heightmm170 mm/ 300 mm (opt)170 mm/ 300 mm (opt)
Minimum 4-side forming sizemm140 x 140160 x 190
Minimum 1-side forming sizemm140160
Minimum material thicknessmm0.150.15
Maximum thickness - Stainless steelmm1.21.2
Maximum thickness - Cold-rolled steelmm2.02.0
Maximum thickness - Aluminummm2.52.5
Maximum bending speedmm0.2 seconds/bend0.2 seconds/bend
Feeding methodVacuum suctionVacuum suction
Machine dimensions (L x W x H)mm3500 x 1500 x 28003400 x 2000 x 2800
Bending sheet thickness (Aluminum)mm1.62.0
Rated voltageV380V380V
Feeding tableBristle brush, omni-directional ball transferBristle brush, omni-directional ball transfer
Component NameDescription & Technical SpecificationsIllustration
Vacuum Suction Cup SystemUses a specialized textured vacuum surface. Compatible with stainless steel, painted sheets, or oily/uneven metal.
Creates uniform and powerful adhesion, holding thin sheets (from 0.15mm) without slipping or deviation, ensuring bending accuracy.
workpiece clamping with vacuum suction cups

Machine Body
Constructed from high-grade QT500-7 cast iron or Q235 welded steel. Undergone annealing and aging treatments, with fine CNC machining.
Ensures structural rigidity, long-term stability, and high durability for the machine.
machine body
Bending ToolsForged from 42CrMo material, undergone quenching and heat treatment.
Ensures long service life, consistent bending force, and superior wear resistance.
bending tool
Control SystemAll-electric closed-loop servo system supporting simultaneous linkage of 25 axes. Features an open interface for robot connection.
Allows precise synchronization, real-time monitoring, and easy upgrades to smart automated production lines.
control unit

Servo Motors
Utilizes high-torque servo motors (optional imported or domestic brands). Signal transmission via Bus communication.
Ensures real-time response, prevents data loss, and maintains high stability during operation.
servo motor
Lubrication SystemAutomatic copper pipeline design.
More durable than traditional plastic tubes, ensuring timely lubrication for ball screws and guide rails, reducing mechanical wear.
lubrication oil pipeline system
Grating Ruler DetectionBias load detection system.
Protects the machine from overload and reduces waste caused by misaligned or incorrectly positioned bends.
load balance
Cooling SystemEquipped with a specialized air conditioner for the electrical cabinet.
Prevents overheating and ensures stable system operation in high-temperature factory environments.
cooling system
Electric HingeElectric-operated hinge system, providing gentle contact with the workpiece.
Unlike gravity hinges, it prevents scratches or dents on sensitive workpiece surfaces during high-speed folding.
electric hinge
Electric ComponentsUses international brands with high anti-interference capability. Supports Ethernet connectivity.
Enables remote fault diagnosis and rapid troubleshooting over the network.
electrical cabinet
HandwheelManual handwheel allows for fine-tuning of the tool position.
Helps reduce waste during machine setup and prevents tool damage due to operational errors during testing.
handwheel
Disturbance Compensation DesignTechnology to compensate for deviations caused by material thickness or workpiece length.
Minimizes angle and straightness errors across different sheet metal sizes.
Disturbance Compensation Design
Optional Components- Auxiliary Knives: For complex shapes.
- C-Axis Up/Down: Supports downward folding and safe tool retraction.
Expands processing capabilities for non-standard or multi-process parts.
optional components